Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, will begin their 2026 tournament campaign against Algeria, with the match scheduled for 3:00 AM Dutch time. This World Cup will mark Lionel Messi’s sixth appearance in the competition and his 200th international match for Argentina. The upcoming tournament represents a significant opportunity for Argentina to defend their title and for Messi to potentially add to his illustrious career. The match against Algeria will be closely watched as the start of Argentina’s journey through the 2026 World Cup. Messi, aged 38, remains a key player for the Argentinian national team despite his age. This tournament could be Messi’s last chance to compete for a World Cup trophy.